Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Sri Lanka?

When considering a move to Sri Lanka as an expat or digital nomad, one of the essential preparations is ensuring you have adequate health insurance. While Sri Lanka does offer a public healthcare system, it may not cover all medical services, and the quality of care can vary. Therefore, securing health insurance is not only a prudent measure for your well-being but also a requirement for obtaining residency in some cases. The specific requirements for health insurance coverage can vary, but typically, you will need a policy that covers you for the entire length of your stay or until you are eligible to enroll in the local healthcare system. It's important to check if there are minimum coverage amounts and whether your insurance must include repatriation or evacuation services.

Does Expat Health Insurance Meet the Requirements?

Most expat health insurance policies are designed to meet the requirements of various countries for incoming residents. However, it is crucial to verify that the policy you choose complies with Sri Lankan regulations. This means ensuring that the policy covers a sufficient range of medical services, has an adequate coverage limit, and is valid for the duration of your visa or until you can access the local healthcare system. It is advisable to contact the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate, or a local immigration lawyer, to confirm the specific insurance requirements for your residency application.

Which local health insurers offer this type of insurance?

In Sri Lanka, there are several local health insurance providers that offer plans suitable for expats and digital nomads. These companies typically provide a range of policies that can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals moving to the country. Some of the well-known insurers include Ceylinco Insurance, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, and Allianz Insurance Lanka Limited. These insurers offer various plans that can include hospitalization, outpatient treatment, emergency services, and sometimes even dental and optical care. It's important to compare the plans from these providers to find one that offers the coverage you need at a competitive price.

Advice from Expats in Sri Lanka about Health Insurance

Expats living in Sri Lanka often emphasize the importance of obtaining comprehensive health insurance that covers both minor and major medical issues. They advise newcomers to look for policies that offer cashless hospitalization, which can simplify the process of receiving care. Additionally, it's recommended to ensure that your insurance covers medical evacuation, as some medical treatments may not be available locally and might require transport to a neighboring country. Expats also suggest reading the fine print carefully to understand the exclusions and limitations of the policy, and to choose a reputable insurer with a track record of prompt and fair claims processing. Lastly, consider the network of hospitals and clinics covered by the insurance, as this can greatly affect the convenience and quality of the medical care you receive.

Expats Talk about Health Insurance in Sri Lanka

"We have had no experiences with regard to the use of our health insurance as either the cost was too low to even bother with it or it was pre-existing and was not going to be covered so was out of pocket. Yes, we have Cigna Global Health Insurance as to be a foreign resident in Sri Lanka it is required to have health insurance coverage. It has been vague if the insurance will cover Nawaloka, Negombo Branch but their map showing most hospitals for us to go to are in Colombo (27 miles distance). I can't get an answer from Nawaloka Hospital, Negombo Branch either if they would accept Cigna here locally. I did pick Cigna Global as most of the other insurance outfits seemed kind of dicey and it was the best of the lot. ," said one expat who moved to Negombo, Sri Lanka.

"Healthcare is free for everyone. Every city and town has a state run hospital/s which has super qualified doctors and treatments and medicine for free of charge. But sometimes line are long. You also have the option to go for a private hospital or clinic which is paid. Insurance usually covers all general treatments and can be claimed. Insurance providers are many in Sri Lanka - with Ceylinco Life, AIA and Janashakti been just a few. Each has different tiers of insurance depending on your budget. You can go as low as you want or as high. ," mentioned one member in Sri Lanka.